"The World Cup is still a fair way away, so I'm not sure that's what St George want to hear but I think Gareth is leaning towards playing in the World Cup and obviously the Poms would be very glad to have him."

The news will delight England coach Steve McNamara, who was on the Gold Coast to watch Widdop suffer the injury in June, although it is thought the Dragons may be reluctant for Widdop to rush back.

Bellamy said Widdop, who will not have played for four months, would not take any undue risks.

"I'm sure he won't do anything silly but I'm sure he'd be a really good inclusion for England if he can get back to full health," he said.

Storm physio Tony Ayoub said: "Gaz is going fantastic. He's started doing a bit of running and he's chomping at the bit to get out there,

"We've not got clearance from the surgeon so we're holding him back, but you wouldn't think he's someone who has been out for nine weeks."

McNamara is set to announce his World Cup squad on October 9, 17 days before England's opening game against Australia in Cardiff.